Eating Disorders: Understanding Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options at Sanford Behavioral Health
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect both eating behaviors and emotional well-being. While they often center on food, weight, or body shape, these conditions go much deeper than appearance. They can cause severe medical complications and disrupt daily life, relationships, and overall quality of health. Unfortunately, misconceptions remain—many people assume eating disorders are a choice or phase, when in reality they are complex mental health conditions that require professional treatment.
At Sanford Behavioral Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan, patients receive compassionate, evidence-based care in a healing environment. With psychiatrist-led teams, on-staff dietitians, trauma-informed care, and multiple levels of treatment, Sanford Behavioral Health offers support for adults and adolescents (outpatient only) struggling with eating disorders, mental health conditions, and co-occurring issues.
What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are classified as behavioral conditions in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They involve persistent disturbances in eating habits, weight or shape concerns, and related behaviors that negatively impact a person’s physical, psychological, and social well-being. The American Psychiatric Association states that eating disorders affect up to 5% of the population, and most often develop in adolescence and young adulthood.
Eating disorders have far-reaching consequences, affecting various aspects of a person’s well-being:
- Physical health: Malnutrition, cardiac issues, digestive problems, weakened bones, and other medical complications can arise.
- Psychological health: These disorders are frequently co-occurring with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mental health conditions.
- Social health: Eating disorders can lead to strained relationships, social isolation, and decreased engagement in daily activities.
The co-occurrence of eating disorders with other mental health conditions highlights the critical need for specialized treatment.
Major types of eating disorders
Several major eating disorders are recognized today, each with unique features and risks:
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa involves restricting food intake to the point of extreme weight loss, paired with an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. Individuals may develop brittle hair and nails, fatigue, digestive issues, low blood pressure, and heart complications. It is one of the most life-threatening mental health conditions, with high rates of medical complications and mortality.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is marked by cycles of binge eating—consuming large amounts of food in a short period—followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, fasting, laxative misuse, or excessive exercise. Even when weight appears average, bulimia can cause severe concerns like dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, swollen salivary glands, dental erosion, and gastrointestinal damage.
Binge eating disorder (BED)
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It involves repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food, often very quickly and to the point of discomfort. Unlike bulimia, BED does not include purging behaviors. Many people with BED experience guilt, shame, or emotional distress afterward, and the disorder is associated with obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other long-term health risks.
Other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED)
Other specified feeding and eating disorder applies to individuals who experience significant eating-related distress and impairment but do not meet the full criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or BED. This includes:
- Atypical anorexia nervosa: Significant weight loss without being underweight.
- Purging disorder: Purging behaviors without binge eating.
- Night eating syndrome: Consuming a large portion of daily calories after dinner or during nighttime awakenings.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder is defined by highly selective or restrictive eating that leads to nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, or dependence on supplements. Unlike anorexia, ARFID is not connected to body image concerns. Causes may include sensory sensitivities, fear of choking or vomiting, or a lack of interest in eating. Though often identified in childhood, ARFID can affect people of all ages.
Eating disorder warning signs and symptoms
Recognizing the signs of eating disorders early can save lives. Symptoms often appear in physical, behavioral, and emotional ways:
Physical indicators:
- Noticeable weight loss or gain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Digestive issues
- Frequent medical issues
Behavioral changes:
- Skipping meals
- Rigid food rules
- Binge eating in secret
- frequent bathroom visits after meals
Emotional signs:
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Distorted body image
- Withdrawal from loved ones
- High levels of anxiety
Because denial and secrecy are common, family and friends play a critical role in spotting warning signs and encouraging professional help.
Causes and risk factors of eating disorders
There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Instead, these conditions develop from a combination of influences:
- Genetic and biological factors: Family history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions increases vulnerability.
- Psychological contributors: Perfectionism, low self-esteem, trauma history, and difficulty regulating emotions.
- Environmental and cultural influences: Media portrayals of body ideals, peer pressure, dieting trends, or stressful life events.
While anyone can develop an eating disorder, certain populations—such as adolescents, athletes, and individuals facing trauma—may be at greater risk.
Treatment and recovery at Sanford Behavioral Health
Recovery from an eating disorder requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. Sanford Behavioral Health’s treatment is tailored to each patient’s needs, blending medical, psychological, and nutritional care.
Key components of treatment include:
- Therapies: Evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based treatment (FBT), trauma-informed therapy, and exposure therapy may be used in a person’s treatment plan.
- Nutritional care: On-staff dietitians, meal support in clinical kitchens, and cooking or community excursions to rebuild healthy eating habits.
- Holistic supports: Recreation therapy, mindfulness, yoga, art therapy, and movement-based practices.
Sanford Behavioral Health provides multiple levels of care—from residential treatment for adults to outpatient programs for adolescents and adults. This full continuum of care supports patients at every stage of recovery. Early intervention is strongly linked to better long-term outcomes.
Getting help and family support resources
Knowing when to seek professional help is crucial. If you or a loved one shows signs of an eating disorder, reach out to a qualified treatment provider. Immediate resources such as:
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders helpline
- National Mental Health Hotline
- Eating Disorders Crisis Text Line
Family members play an essential role in recovery. By learning about eating disorders, encouraging treatment, and practicing empathy, loved ones can help reduce shame and isolation. Sanford Behavioral Health includes families through education programs, therapy sessions, and long-term support networks. You can call 616.202.3326 to learn how we can help you in helping your loved one on their journey to recovery.
Prevention and awareness
While eating disorders cannot always be prevented, promoting positive eating behaviors and body image can reduce risk. Schools, families, and communities can work together to:
- Encourage healthy eating habits without focusing on weight or appearance.
- Promote acceptance of diverse body shapes and sizes, following a “health at every size” approach.
- Educate young people about media literacy and unrealistic beauty standards.
- Provide safe spaces for open discussions around food, emotions, and mental health.
National awareness campaigns and community education are vital to reducing stigma and connecting people with resources. Sanford Behavioral Health actively engages in advocacy, education, and outreach to support prevention and early recognition.
Start your path toward healing at Sanford Behavioral Health
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions, but recovery is possible with evidence-based treatment and support. At Sanford Behavioral Health, patients receive compassionate, personalized care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of eating disorders. With a psychiatrist-led team, trauma-informed practices, and a full continuum of care, we help patients and their families rebuild health and hope.
Are you or a loved one struggling with an eating disorder? Don’t wait to take the first step to healing. Contact Sanford Behavioral Health today by calling 616.202.3326 or filling out our online contact form. Your journey to recovery starts now.
